Hi
Wondered if anyone could give me some advice. My Stage name is Louisa Ann (Ann after my mum). Real name Louisa Donaldson. Only trouble is sometimes stage name and real name gets muddled up at castings as my email address is under Donaldson. I am thinking of changing it back to Donaldson.
Just wanted to ask what anyone else thought was a better sounding name.
Thanks
I've set up different accounts for my two names: my real name for business and friends, my stage name for all things connected to acting.
I always tell employers my real name so that cheques/payments get put in my account.
Not only have i got an e-mail account in my stage name, i've registered a facebook account in my stage name too. It's good to keep the two separate i reckon. One thing confuses me though, at auditions / rehearsals do I give my stage first name or my actual first name?
I've never used a stage name purely because I have never met anyone other than people I am related to or distantly related to that have my last name. I always wonder if I should use one
Just reitterating (big word eh? Probs spelt wrong lol) what others have said. I have a separate email for my acting work with my stage name in it when creating a new email (if that is your decision) go fopr a gmail as it is a .com and will not alienate the american market as hotmail only allows .co.uk nowadays I believe....quote me if I'm wrong?
Just reitterating (big word eh? Probs spelt wrong lol) what others have said. I have a separate email for my acting work with my stage name in it when creating a new email (if that is your decision) go fopr a gmail as it is a .com and will not alienate the american market as hotmail only allows .co.uk nowadays I believe....quote me if I'm wrong?
i don't use a stage name. my real name is Shelly McLean.
But when i had an interview with an agent- the first thing they asked is if i had considered a stage name. i have always thought after this that maybe i should!! as people always say, what, shirley ... and i have to say no, shelly.!
I use my maiden name.
My married name is McCaffrey. I don't think it has the same ring to it.
Totty is a great talking point and people always remember it.
I also didn't have any probs with equity or spotlight. Very lucky girl. I'd hate to have to change it.
And one last true story: years ago my friend Russell Clarke went to sign on. He gave his name: "Clarke. With an 'E'."
A few days later he received all his documentation addressed to 'Mr Withany Clark.'
When starting its best to use your own name if you can, as its easier for payments etc. Never get a stage name unless you have to (ie your real name is already registered). My real first name is Elaine but I had to change it, but luckily Ive been able to use a name Ive been known by for years anyway. However, Im always having to back up and double check info reagrding jobs. For one job I received a cheque for L Scott and had SUCH a problem with the bank in order to cash it. Another time I had to get last minute changes to a flight ticket whilst in the airport, as the company (despite my warning them) had put my stage name on the ticket. Nightmare!
I also know someone who COMPLETELY changed their name. One day on set he was being called but didnt realise. Due to waiting around he's gotten into a book, and so the new stage name that was called out didnt break his train of thought. Unfortunatly the director got pissed off as it delayed filming and he was fired!! True story!
If you've already been using a 'stage name' however then I really think its best to get the new email registered in your name. Ive had calls from people who saw me years ago, and them suddenly decided to look me up for a job. If I'd have changed my name then they may not have found me! Ive heard Google mail is supposed to be good, as they accept lots of large files, but to be honest Ive never had a problem with Yahoo. Hotmail has often caused problems for one of my friends though, who has sometimes not received emails in time, or even at all!!
And a word of advice to those with stage names, from many casting directors. NEVER give your real name in an audition. I think thats good advice anyway, as surely it only confuses them. You have a few seconds for everything they need to know about you to register, whether it be over the phone, an audition, whatever. If you give them two names, and then they check spotlight later with the wrong one, youre left high and dry! You should only ever need to give it when youve got the job and need payment, flight ticket etc!
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